Parallel House, SW1V
We have been appointed to carefully re-think and update areas of this striking post-modern house by Nicholls Associates in Pimlico, SW1V. The house was built in the 1980s on a difficult multi-angled plot and initially designed as a live/work unit for the architects. The original design includes stable doors that provide glimpses into the three courtyards on various levels. Vertical glazed and solid panels were used to create a sense of rhythm and form a visual barrier to provide privacy. Our approach was to lower the visual threshold as the need for “internal” privacy is no longer needed in a family home and we therefore replaced some solid panels with fixed double glazed units and doors. These were inserted into the original timber frames in order to retain the original design. We have also designed bespoke joinery for the master bedroom in order to maximise space and the asbestos roofing was replaced with slate.
Status:
Phase 1 (external) - completed April 2019
Phase 2 (internal) - starting Spring 2020
“Like many long standing partnerships you often find new advisers due to comments or introductions from friends, or following projects that interest you. Which is how we met Carlo. We were fascinated by The Science Lab and wanted a fresh view on a tricky speculative project we were considering at the same time as some updates to our property in Pimlico, a 19080s post-modern Mews House.
The speculative project has yet to be funded, but most of Carlo’s ideas have been implemented at the Pimlico house and we are just about to complete the final phase of the work. This has included:
- Simple space reconfigurations to increase storage and update the interior décor for the bedroom, study & lounge
- Basic improvements to poor workmanship on external lead flashings & glazing
- Debating the merits of replacing heck doors with fixed glazed panels to get more light into the interior without spoiling the aesthetic of the house’s 1980s design – and then producing detailed drawings and specifications
- Producing detailed briefs for the builder, to manage our expectations and the budget for the various internal & external options.
- Flexible & transparent fee structure which has enabled us to keep in touch, be an important sounding board and have access to his advice whenever we are in doubt!
The result of our working together has been a major transformation to how we now use the House and enjoy the lighter and more tranquil atmosphere as now most clutter is out of sight!”
